Turner, Wedgwood & Beyond: Inspired by Flaxman Opens at York Art Gallery

About

York Art Gallery will present Turner, Wedgwood & Beyond: Inspired by Flaxman, a major exhibition celebrating the life and artistic influence of York-born designer, sculptor and draughtsman John Flaxman. Opening on 18 September 2026, the exhibition marks the 200th anniversary of Flaxman’s death and explores his lasting impact on British and European art.

Born in York on 6 July 1755, John Flaxman became one of Britain’s most significant artists. His work influenced leading figures including J.M.W. Turner, William Blake, Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres and fellow York artist William Etty. His designs for Josiah Wedgwood transformed British ceramic art, while his outline illustrations inspired generations of artists across Europe.

More Than 70 Loans from Leading UK Collections

The exhibition brings together more than 70 loans from museums and galleries across the UK alongside works from York Art Gallery’s own collection. Visitors will discover the breadth of Flaxman’s artistic achievements through sculpture, drawings, paintings, ceramics and decorative arts.

Highlights include:

J.M.W. Turner’s Ulysses Deriding Polyphemus, Homer’s Odyssey from the National Gallery.
The Fall of Anarchy by J.M.W. Turner, on loan from Tate.
William Blake’s Beatrice Addressing Dante from the Car, from Tate.
Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres’ Paolo and Francesca, on loan from the Barber Institute of Fine Arts.
Wedgwood jasperware designed and modelled by John Flaxman.
Flaxman sculptures from National Museums Liverpool, University College London and Sir John Soane’s Museum.
An exceptional collection of Wedgwood chess pieces from the V&A Wedgwood Collection.
Portraits from the V&A South Kensington and the National Portrait Gallery.
Flaxman’s Royal Academy diploma sculpture Apollo and Marpessa.
The monumental silver-gilt Shield of Achilles from Koopman Rare Art, one of only five examples in the world.

Partnership with the University of York

Turner, Wedgwood & Beyond: Inspired by Flaxman has been curated by York Art Gallery in partnership with the University of York’s Department of History of Art, offering new insight into Flaxman’s influence on artists and designers across Britain and Europe.

Dr Beatrice Bertram, Senior Curator at York Art Gallery, explained that while many people recognise Flaxman’s work, fewer know the artist behind it. The exhibition explores how his ideas shaped the work of contemporaries including Turner, Blake and William Etty, while demonstrating his enduring influence on later generations of artists.

Dr Richard Johns, co-curator from the University of York, highlighted Flaxman’s role in connecting the classical and modern worlds through sculpture, illustration and design. His celebrated interpretations of Homer’s poetry inspired artistic traditions that continue to resonate today.

Talks, Workshops and Special Events

A programme of talks, workshops and special events will accompany the exhibition throughout autumn and winter. Full details of the programme will be announced closer to the opening date.

The exhibition has been supported by a generous bequest from Christine Doyle, together with support from the Friends of York Art Gallery. A fully illustrated publication, produced in collaboration with the University of York and Paul Holberton Publishing, will also accompany the exhibition.